About Us

What is the Human-Animal Bond?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association:

“The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals, and the environment. The veterinarian’s role in the human-animal bond is to maximize the potentials of this relationship between people and other animals.”     

Who Are Our Members?

HABA is open to all individuals passionate about the human-animal bond. Since it's inception, HABA has served the passionate individuals of the veterinary industry including students of veterinary medicine and technology/nursing. As of more recently, HABA has recognized the parallel professions essential to the complete dynamic of the human-animal bond. This includes all members of the veterinary team, trainers, groomers, boarding & daycare staff, all other pet professionals and all the pet-loving individuals of our world. We are proud to serve as the community base for learning, discussion, and overall celebration of the human-animal bond. 
JOIN TODAY!
 

MISSION AND VALUES

MISSION STATEMENT

To celebrate and advocate the human-animal bond as a community. 

CORE VALUES
  • To elevate and educate on the benefits of the human-animal bond including social, therapeutic, and economic aspects
  • Advance the understanding of the human-animal bond within all professions, cultures, and regions of the world
  • Support and promote human-animal bond research and other science-based work in this area
  • Collaborate with other human-animal bond organization as their values align with ours
  • Offer resources for practical support of the human-animal bond to veterinary practitioners, pet owners, and other community members
  • Conduct our work with diligence, integrity, and transparency

HABA CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS

VIEW BYLAWS

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Laird Goodman, DVM, CVA

Laird Goodman, DVM, CVA
President
(2020 - 2022)
Patrick Flynn, DVM
President-Elect
(2020 - 2022)
past president Jod Jouppi, DVM
Rod Jouppi, DVM
Immediate Past President
(2020 - 2022)

Molly McAllister, DVM MPH
Secretary 
(2020 - 2021)
Kimberly Pope, DVM
Kimberly Pope, DVM
Director at Large 
(2020 - 2022)
Kerry Plemmons
Treasurer
(2020 - 2022)
Steve Dale

Steve Dale, CABC
Director at Large
(2020 - 2022)

Patty Zehan Patricia Zehna, RVT
Veterinary Technician at Large

Julie LeGrand, CVT
Executive Management
Caitlyn Rize
Student Representative

Laura Jaworski, DVM
Director at Large
(2020 - 2022)

Beckie Mossor, BIS, RVT
Executive Director
 

 

ADVISORS

Alice Villalobos DVM, FNAP
Alice Villalobos DVM, FNAP
Advisor to the Board
John Wright, DVM
John Wright, DVM
Advisor to the Board

 

PAST PRESIDENTS

  • DR. ROD JOUPPI (2018-2020)
  • DR. TIMOTHY LEE (2016-2018)
  • DR. GREGG TAKASHIMA (2014-16)
  • DR. EMILIA WONG GORDON (2012-14)
  • DR. ROBIN DOWNING (2010-12)
  • DR. TAMI SHEARER (2009-10)
  • DR. VICTORIA VOITH (2008-09)
  • DR. MARTHA LITTLEFIELD (2007-08)
  • DR. RICHARD P. TIMMINS (2006-07)
  • DR. ALICE VILLALOBOS (2005-06)
  • DR. LAUREN KEATING (2004-05)
  • DR. H. MARIE SUTHERS-MCCABE (2003-04)
  • DR. JOHN NEW (2002-03)
  • DR. GUY HANCOCK (2001-02)
  • DR. JOHN S. WRIGHT (2000-01)
  • DR. CAROLINE B. SCHAFFER (1999-00)
  • DR. PERRY R. CHUMLEY (1998-99)
  • DR. THOMAS J. LANE (1997-98)
  • DR. JAMES J. ELLIOTT (1996-97)
  • DR. EARL O. STRIMPLE (1995-96)
  • DR. KATHY L. MITCHENER (1994-95)
  • DR. LYNN J. ANDERSON (1993-94) CHARTER PRESIDENT
     

BUSTAD COMPANION ANIMAL VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR

The Leo Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding work of veterinarians in promoting the human-animal bond in practice through a special sensitivity to both clients and patients; in their communities through assuming a leadership role in programs that bring people and animals together; or in education or research on human-animal interactions. The award was named for the late Dr. Leo K. Bustad, former President of the Delta Society, Dean of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and a pioneer in recognizing the importance of the human-animal bond.

WANT TO RECOMMEND A VETERINARIAN?

CONTACT US
RECIPIENTS:
  • 2020 Robin Downing, DVM, MS, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CCRP, IL
  • 2019 Karen Vernau, DVM, CA
  • 2018 Cynthia Otto, DVM, Ph. D., DACVECC, PA
  • 2017 No award given
  • 2016 Jody Sandler, DVM, NY
  • 2015 Melissa Bain, DVM, CA
  • 2014 Bess Pierce, DVM, VA
  • 2013 Benjamin Hart, DVM, CA
  • 2012 Thomas Cantanzaro, DVM, Australia
  • 2011 Nancy Kay, DVM, CA
  • 2010 Ken Gorczyca, DVM, CA
  • 2009 Brian Forsgren, DVM, OH
  • 2008 Jane Shaw, DVM, CO
  • 2007 Samuel Costello, DVM, OH
  • 2006 Richard Meadows, DVM, DABVP, MO
  • 2005 Marie Suthers-McCabe, DVM, VA
  • 2004 Kathy Mitchener, DVM, TN
  • 2003 Brenda Griffin, DVM, MS, DACVIM, AL
  • 2002 Dr. Marty Becker, ID
  • 2001 Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver, TX
  • 2000 Dr. Caroline B. Schaeffer, AL
  • 1999 Dr. Alice Villalobos, CA
  • 1998 Dr. Patricia N. Olson, CO
  • 1997 Dr. Thomas J. Lane, FL
  • 1996 Dr. Marvin L. Samuelson, KS
  • 1995 Dr. Robert M. Miller, CA
  • 1994 Dr. Sally O. Walshaw, MI
  • 1993 Dr. Erwin Small, IL
  • 1992 Dr. Lynn J. Anderson, KY
  • 1991 Dr. William J. Kay, NY
  • 1990 Dr. John C. New, Jr, TN
  • 1989 Dr. James Harris, CA
  • 1988 Dr. Earl 0. Strimple, CD
  • 1987 Dr. Robert K. Anderson, MN
  • 1986 Dr. William F. McCulloch, TX